HEROES STEP UP IN CRISIS

The Muti era lays claim to Chicago,by BARBARA SEALOCK

After two weeks of Riccardo Muti's new residency as tenth music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the much-proclaimed 'Muti Era' has delivered on most of its early fall term promises and exceeded all expectations on some.

Despite the maestro's unexpected illness shortly before a Gala fundraiser performance on 2 October 2010 and his difficult decision to fly to Milan for medical treatment -- details are as yet unknown -- hopes are high that Muti will be back in Chicago for his winter residency beginning in February 2011.

'I cannot express the depth of my regret that I am unable to complete this first residency as music director,' said the CSO, quoting Muti, 'I have had the privilege of making marvelous music together with this great orchestra, and I am confident that we will continue to do so when I return again.'

The prevailing euphoria about Muti's presence in Chicago is 'like winning the lottery,' as one musician described it. The orchestra, already at the top of its game, has never played so well...